Deadly Trouble, page 3
part #2 of Vegas Vixens Series
Her mouth pinched together as if to stifle a laugh, then she stood. “You’re very dramatic. You should try out for a soap opera.”
Cooper gained his feet and peered down at her; she sure was a little thing, only reaching to his chin. “I did, but I didn’t last long. Too much staring at each other with repetitive music in the background. That’s just not normal.”
“You say the funniest things.” She aimed a beautiful smile right at him.
His heartbeat kicked up, and he attempted to play it cool as they fell into step together and headed toward the walkway.
“My name’s Lily.”
Ah, finally he’d gotten through her first layer of armor. “Lily is the perfect name for you. You’re regal and graceful like the flower.”
He earned a humph for his flowery words. Okay, tone it down. You’re not Casanova. They strolled past the open-air office, and the raised walkway forked. Lily was exactly the type of distraction he needed after the encounter with the drug lord. Last night Cooper had rented a cabana, shared a few glasses of rum with Xavier, and stayed up most of the night with an overactive mind that refused to sleep. In the wee hours he’d come to a decision: he wouldn’t draw attention to himself. He’d stay out of Maximo’s path and wouldn’t do anything to cause the Belizean government to cancel his permit. He’d conduct his research and return to the U.S. His focus shifted to Lily as they strolled down the walkway, and he racked his brain for the best way to see her again. Finally an idea struck.
He snapped his fingers and stopped walking. “Have you had a chance to hike to the Macal River? A river I might add that’s legend says it was named after a beautiful young girl. I’m headed there myself. I know the area well, and I’d be happy to show you around.”
She pivoted and stared at him, blinking several times. Her lips pursed before she said, “Let me think about this. Go alone with a stranger into a jungle…I think I saw a PBS special on this when I was five. You tell me you lost your baby jaguar, and I get to have my face on a milk carton.”
Okay. Maybe offering to take her to a secluded place had been a bad idea. “You don’t know me. Understandable.” He pondered if he should make another attempt and ask her to dinner when he caught movement in his peripheral vision. His college research assistant, William, with his brown ponytail poking out from under a ball cap, stood on the breakfast deck, and with the wave of his pale arm, he beckoned Cooper.
Cooper’s hand shifted against the envelope in the pocket of his cargo shorts. He might be one hundred percent interested in getting to know Lily better, but the wad of cash burning a hole in his pocket took precedence. “I’ll be seeing you around, my regal Lily.”
She frowned at him, and he strolled away.
…
Later that afternoon, Lily doused herself in bug spray and decided to take a short hike. She adjusted the backpack, which held water, an energy bar, a bikini, a towel, cash, and a few other items, higher on her back. A handful of trails started near the office only to be swallowed up ten feet away by the encroaching jungle. With safety in mind, she headed down the one that appeared most traveled. Slivers of sunlight escaped through gaps in the canopy and slanted across the smashed abundant grass. It had sprinkled earlier, and she dodged a few puddles. The jungle seemed to be a life within itself, emitting animal noises with diverse flora dancing in a rapid rhythm in the warm breeze. She rolled her shoulders, ignoring the sweat trickling down her back. She might not have picked this place, but this was the first vacation she’d had in years, and she needed to relax and enjoy it.
The path forked, and without much thought, she veered left. After a few twists and turns, she came to a painted, wooden sign that read Macal River. Lily’s steps faltered as a set of blue eyes slammed into her mind. If she ran into Mr. Dimples, he’d most likely think that she’d been playing hard to get earlier, and now she was following him. Which I am definitely not. She thought about heading back and going down another trail for all of about five seconds. She was hot and sweaty and just wanted to dive into the cool, tranquil water. At least it had better be tranquil and not green with floating debris.
She continued onward through the diverse jungle, exchanging greetings with the occasional passersby. On the plane ride she’d read that Mountain Pine Ridge was a subtropical pine forest. But viewing it up close, something felt wrong about seeing palm and banana trees hanging out with pines. It screamed identity crisis. She continued at a steady pace, pine needles and twigs crunching under her sneakers.
Finally after fifteen minutes had passed, she heard the unmistakable rush of water before she caught a glimpse of the steady, flowing river through a slender gap in the foliage. She’d just stopped at the bank, ready to make the decline to the river, when she heard whistling. Lily paused and listened. Someone was whistling “The Dock of the Bay.” With both hands, she parted the branches of a broadleaf bush, and to her surprise, not twelve feet below stood a Caucasian man without a shirt; the muscles of his tan back flexed as he cast a fishing line overhead. Khaki cargo shorts, sun-streaked, dark blond hair. No, it can’t be. The combination made Lily groan. Apparently out loud because he tossed a glance over his shoulder in her direction. With a jerk, she made a move to duck behind a nearby knobby tree only to lose her footing on a patch of mud. A scream ripped out of her as she fell, bounced off a tree trunk, and continued down the slick path through a throng of banana shoots before careening into a startled Cooper.
With a splash, shallow water lapped around her as she fought to stop her momentum from carrying her past the water’s edge. A strong arm wrapped around her waist. Up ahead, the long span of murky water flowed with white caps appearing in the middle. Panting, she realized Cooper’s body lay pinned beneath her. She pushed her fingers into the mushy riverbed, relieved they’d only fallen into the shallow water, and attempted to lift herself off of him. She peered down, and her eyes widened. With an inch of water surrounding his head, Cooper’s face was literally smashed into her breasts, and their legs were tangled in a way-too-intimate manner. His breath warmed her skin through her moist tank top. She shivered either from the coolness of the water or from the feel of his hard body under hers.
“Oh, God.” Lily scrambled back only to fall onto her backside into the sand. He held himself up, water sloshing at his forearms and dripping from the ends of his hair. Sand covered him, and moisture shone from his smooth chest. He shook his head rapidly, flinging water droplets before he settled his gaze on her. Confusion and amusement flashed across his face.
“Are you okay?” She shoved away her embarrassment and looked at him straight on.
“Never been better. How about you?”
“Fine.”
He pushed to his feet, and streaks of mud slid down his wet, clingy shorts. “I’m glad to see you changed your mind.”
She ignored his offered hand and stood on her own. “Changed my mind?” She rinsed her muddy hands in the water, knowing darn well what he meant but not about to admit it.
“About joining me.” He leaned down and rinsed his hands as well and then straightened.
Of course he’d think that. She gave him her best bored expression. “Oh, I didn’t change my mind. Actually, until you just mentioned it, I’d completely forgotten about the invite.” The lie slipped off her tongue before she could stop it, and she ignored the guilt knocking on her conscience.
Lifting a brow, he smirked. “All righty, if you say so.” He reached out a hand toward her face and slowly withdrew something from her hair. He dropped a leaf, and it swirled before settling onto the sand.
She inhaled a deep breath, annoyed that her pulse raced and her fingers wanted to reach out and pet him. Why did her body react so strongly to his nearness? Okay, stupid question; he was hot.
She planted her fist on her hip. “You don’t believe me? I fell—”
“I noticed.” He had the nerve to laugh only for his expression to turn serious. “I was thoroughly enjoying our position…but we have a problem.”
“We do?”
“Yep, when you knocked me off my feet, you made me lose my favorite fishing rod.”
“I’m sorry, but it was an accident. I’ll pay you, and you can replace it.”
“That’s kind of you, but still, it was a special rod. It’s not like there’s a sporting goods store up the street. How am I supposed to eat dinner?”
“Hmmm. Let me think. Oh, yeah the restaurant at the lodge.” Did this guy really expect her to believe he survived on hunting and gathering?
“Deal. What time should we meet?”
“Huh?”
“I’d be happy to take you up on your offer to join you for dinner.” He shrugged a glistening, muscular shoulder. “After making me lose my prized fishing rod, it’s the least you can do.”
“I didn’t—”
“Seven thirty works best for me.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to decline when a thought struck her. Why not? It’s a vacation. I’m all alone. He’s entertaining, that’s for sure. It wasn’t like she had to keep him. She could just pretend he was a Red Snapper not a marlin. “Fine. Seven thirty.”
“Hey, Cooper, you ready?” A man’s voice came from above on the bank.
Her head whipped around, and through the break in the foliage, she caught a glimpse of a pale man. She noted he was young, and his long, brown hair was pulled back in a ponytail.
“Be right there.” Cooper grabbed his backpack off the sand and shot her a wink. “Lily, as before, I enjoyed talking with you. See you at seven thirty.”
Her gaze raked over him as he climbed up the bank. Heat instantly swirled low in her belly. Get a grip. It’s just dinner.
…
By the time Lily arrived back at the lodge from the river, humidity clung to her body. She returned to her cabana, took a cold shower, and changed into a pale-blue sundress. After turning the ceiling fan full blast, she fell asleep on the unmade bed. A faint thumping woke her. Her eyes fluttered open to a gray room. The thumping sound came again, and she peered toward the darkened window. Drums. Her stomach growled. Maybe it was the dinner music. Her eyes widened as she jerked her gaze to the clock: seven forty p.m. She was late!
Lily bolted to her feet, quickly smoothed out the wrinkles of her sundress, and washed her face in the bathroom. After running a comb through her long strands, brushing her teeth, applying lip gloss, and dousing herself in bug spray, she slipped on a pair of sandals and headed out the door. In rapid steps she made her way along the maze of walkways following the rhythmic sounds of the beat. The dense trees only allowed a glimpse of the vibrant pink-streaked sunset. She strolled onto the deck where breakfast had been served. Tiki torches flickered over the group of about twenty people, all socializing and eating. Lily searched among the throng of people but didn’t find Cooper. She sighed and made herself a plate from the buffet-style dining of rice, beans, corn tortillas, and something that looked like chicken. The delicious smells made her stomach growl again.
“Miss Sanborn,” Xavier greeted with his usual grin. He pointed to a tray of umbrella drinks in his other hand. “Would you like one of my piña coladas?”
She accepted the tiki-style glass. “Thanks, I’ve been wanting one of these all day.”
“It is my special recipe. Enjoy.” He strolled off, passing out drinks as he went.
Lily peered around again but still didn’t see Cooper, so she sat at a table in the corner. As she ate, she watched couples speaking intimately and laughing. The awkwardness of being alone settled over her. Well, if I hadn’t overslept, I’d be with Cooper. He probably thought she was a complete flake. She pulled the umbrella out of her glass and took a sip through the straw. Although refreshing, the volume of alcohol in the cool drink made her grimace. She took another swallow, deciding she liked the sweet combination of the pineapple and coconut.
Two older women started dancing together as the four-member band picked up the beat with the next song. A guitar, accordion, conga drum, and some kind of tinny-sounding instrument were played. Lily swatted a mosquito that landed on her forearm. Blasted bloodsuckers.
She’d just finished her dinner and ordered another drink from a passing server when a masculine voice came from behind her. “There you are. I thought you’d stood me up.”
“Oh, hey.” She gestured for Cooper to take the seat across from her.
He slid into the chair, looking all sexy in the flickering glow from the torches. He’d changed into a fresh navy-colored T-shirt and beige cargo shorts. “I just started to double back to see if you’d shown up when I caught Yesenia carrying a heavy tray into the kitchen, had to practically wrestle it from her, and then we started talking.”
“Sorry. I took a nap and overslept.”
“It’s your vacation. You should relax. I see you’ve eaten, and so have I. Maybe we can just have drinks together and enjoy the entertainment.”
“That works.”
“Where do you call home?” he asked.
“Las Vegas.”
“So you’re used to the heat?”
“Heat, yes, humidity, not so much.”
Her second drink arrived at the table, and she took a long, cool gulp.
Cooper ordered a rum and Coke from the female server who batted her eyelashes like a ninny before strutting off, then he turned to Lily. “Better slow down. Those drinks are potent, especially how Xavier makes them.”
She took another sip and gave him her best bland look. “Really? Is this girly drink too much for you?”
He smirked and pointed at the empty glass from her first drink. “Not me. But I weigh a lot more than you. Those concoctions aren’t called ‘panty rippers’ for nothing.”
Lily almost spit her mouthful of drink at him but closed her lips in the nick of time. She coughed, and he leaned over and patted her on the back. A few people looked their way before returning to their dinners and conversations. The server brought Cooper’s drink and moved on.
“Panty rippers? You just made that up. He called it a piña colada,” she rasped. Somehow her focus had zeroed in on his firm mouth. Just the word panty forming from his lips made her feel tingly.
“Well, he couldn’t use the real name, but believe me panty rippers can take grown men down.” He took a slow sip of his drink.
She straightened, shaking off the funny feeling swirling low in her belly. Lily eyed the half-finished beverage in her hand. She doubted this thing would take her down. Cooper was full of it.
“Don’t worry. I won’t be ripping off my underwear.” She smiled and swallowed the rest of her drink. She set the glass on the table and rested back against the seat. Closing her eyes, she tapped her toes to the beat.
“Ah, tempting fate. That coconut rum mixed with pineapple juice has fooled many people.”
“If you say so,” she said without opening her eyes. The band changed to a slow song. The sound of the smooth male voice and strum of the guitar floated over the still night. Time drifted away as she lost herself to the passionate lyrics of a man in love, and for the first time on her vacation, she found herself actually relaxing.
A warm hand engulfed hers, and her attention settled on Cooper. “Dance with me, Lily, before you pass out.”
He stood and pulled her to her feet. With a firm hold on her hand, she had little choice but to follow. I don’t dance! Her mouth refused to push out the words as her eyes explored the width of his shoulders. He led her away from the group, past a few couples dancing, to a more secluded spot, riddled with shadows, on the walkway. He spun her, and before she knew it, he held her in his arms. Just one minute, then I’m sitting back down. They swayed to the rhythm of the music with the inky jungle to his back and, after a slow rotation, to hers.
She burrowed her face against his upper chest, enjoying the feel and masculine scent of him. He pressed her closer, and his nearness made her knees weak. I’m tipsy, and I’m dancing with a flirty, handsome stranger. Push him away! Lily knew the moment she licked her lips and ran her hand over his pec that she had lost all reason. The song ended only to flow into another ballad.
“You’re exquisite. I love the shape of your exotic eyes,” he whispered into her ear. His warm breath lit a path along the sensitive flesh of her neck.
“Hmmm. That feels nice.” Did I just say that out loud?
“Good to know.” Before she realized his intentions, Cooper leaned down and kissed her. He tasted hot, sugary, and a bit like the rum he’d consumed. Her eyelids slid closed, and her breathing grew fast and shallow. A shiver of pure lust danced over her flesh. Her hands eagerly reached out to touch him, splaying over the contours of his muscular chest and looping around his neck to bring their kiss closer. His body felt solid, powerful, and she knew this was getting way too hot and delicious for a first kiss. She needed to slow things down, but she didn’t because his closeness felt too wonderful. Cooper’s tongue brushed against hers in smooth, slow strokes that sent desire surging through her. His long fingers wrapped around her waist, and without breaking the kiss, he lifted her only to gradually lower her partially down the length of his body. Sparks ricocheted behind her eyelids.
Lily jerked back, and their mouths separated. She gulped in a lung full of air and laughed. “I think you caught my shoes on fire.” She leaned back and lifted her arms skyward.
“Whoa!” he said and grabbed onto her.
“Tonight’s so beautiful. Look at all these stars.” She reached for them.
He shifted her in his arms, returning her upright.
“Are you going to kiss me again? I liked it.” Lily felt so alive and free. She touched his mouth with her fingertips. Desire flared inside her.
“I think you’re drunk.” He took her hand and held it in his. The faint light revealed the lopsided grin on his face.
